Same-sex ‘marriage’ support is overstated, New York Catholic Conference cautions state legislature

Albany, N.Y., Dec 1, 2009 / 01:05 pm (CNA).- Responding to reports that the New York Senate could vote on same-sex “marriage” today, the New York State Catholic Conference noted that opinion polls “routinely overstate” support for the redefinition of marriage. The Conference argued that New York citizens do not want the legislature to redefine marriage.

The Conference’s executive director Richard E. Barnes issued a statement on Tuesday which noted the success of Maine’s Question 1, which overturned the Maine legislature’s approval of same-sex “marriage.”

“Just last month in Maine, advocates for reinventing marriage outspent their opponents by two to one and still could not sway voters in that socially liberal state, who easily overturned a law passed by the Maine legislature, despite pre-vote polling predicting a dead heat,” Barnes said.

He commented that opinion polls “routinely overstate” support for “this radical social experiment.”

“There is no reason to believe the same is not true in New York. It would be wise for our Senators to keep in mind the lessons of Maine, California and all of the others states that have stood up in favor of marriage: The citizenry does not want their state legislature redefining marriage.”

“We urge the New York State Senate to stand firm in defense of marriage. The people expect nothing less,” Barnes’ statement concluded.